CSIR-IIIM Launches ‘One Day as a Scientist’ Week, Inspired by PM’s Mann Ki Baat

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-07-21 20:31:57 |

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KS News Desk 

Jammu, July 21: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, on Monday inaugurated a week-long initiative titled ‘One Day as a Scientist’.

This was in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat to promote scientific curiosity among students.

The programme, launched across all 37 laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aims to provide school students with immersive exposure to laboratory research and modern scientific practices.

Over 500 students from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have registered to participate in the initiative at CSIR-IIIM, which functions under the Union Ministry of Science & Technology. 

In a statement issued here, an official spokesperson of the Institute said acting upon the call made by PM Modi wherein he encouraged students to visit research laboratories, planetaria, space centres, and science institutions to nurture their curiosity and foster a scientific temperament, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, a premier research institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Union Ministry of Science & Technology, has actively engaged the young students in the ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative. 

The One day as Scientist program which commenced at CSIR-IIIM on Monday has provided aspiring minds with an immersive experience in scientific research, offering them first hand exposure to laboratory work, advanced equipment, and the integration of traditional medicine with modern scientific advancements.  

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu during his inaugural address emphasized the importance of early exposure to the scientific research.

Dr. Ahmed further stated that the One day as Scientist (ODAS) initiative would be a week-long activity, aims to inspire the next generation of scientists by giving them a real taste of laboratory life and innovation, nurturing the scientific temperament and providing the school students with an immersive laboratory insights and knowledge. 

More than 500 students from various schools of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh have registered with this innovative programme, which offers them a unique opportunity to explore CSIR-IIIM’s research facilities and participate in the interactive training modules, added Dr. Ahmed. 

Pertinently, the One Day as Scientist (ODAS) programme was simultaneously launched by all the 37 labs. Of CSIR wherein the main inaugural event was coordinated online by Dr. Geethavani Rayasam, Head CSIR-Human Resource Development Group, New Delhi, who formally welcomed the participants who joined online across all CSIR labs./Instts. 

The programme was virtually inaugurated by Dr. Vinay Kumar Nandicoori, Director of CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad who encouraged the students to embrace scientific learning and innovation.

Dr. Nandicoori, further informed that Dr. Jitendra Singh Union Minister of Science and Technology, GoI and Vice-President, CSIR would be the Chief Guest at the Valedictory event on 25th July, 2025 which is to be held at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) New Delhi. 

In his address Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD & IST Division, highlighted the role of hands-on learning in building student confidence. He remarked, “Experiencing real-time lab activities boosts curiosity and builds a strong foundation in science and technology. 

During the week-long event, students will get the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various labs, discussion and interactions with the scientists, popular talks, fun activities and other scientific related activities. 

The programme is being coordinated by Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist of Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division & Nodal Scientist, CSIR Jigyasa Programme, appreciated the enthusiasm of the young minds, and said that such engagement at an early stage transforms interest into lifelong passion and paves the way for future researchers.

The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Vidhushi Abrol and Poonam Choudhary presented vote of thanks.